The analogy came far easier to Lewis Hamilton than the formidable task ahead. Relishing the challenge of usurping Nico Rosberg, Hamilton was bullish as he demanded the best form of his life in the final three races of the season.

The analogy came far easier to Lewis Hamilton than the formidable task ahead. Relishing the challenge of usurping Nico Rosberg, Hamilton was bullish as he demanded the best form of his life in the final three races of the season.

Hamilton has always been up for a challenge, and trailing by 26 points ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix presents one of the biggest of his career.

"If there's any time for me to be the best I've ever been, it's these last three races," he said.

The 31-year-old likened it to taking on a rock-climbing course and going straight for the hardest route. He knows he has to win the last three races and hope Rosberg slips up, finishing one fourth or lower.

Furthermore, Rosberg could win the title as early as this weekend if he triumphs in Mexico City, and Hamilton finishes 10th or lower.

"I don't feel like I arrive at a grand prix, and want it ever to be easy. I love doing things that are difficult. If I go rock-climbing I don't go for the easiest wall to climb, I go to the hardest first.

"It is almost like your eyes are too big for your belly, you go for a bigger plate and you can't actually finish it. I always go for the hardest wall and sometimes make it, sometimes don't. I love the challenge.

"I have this challenge ahead of me and s*** I am ready to go. I am ready to fight. If it doesn't work out then OK, and if it does then great."

Hamilton, 31, appeared on course to march to a third consecutive championship after turning an early-season 43-point deficit to Rosberg into a 19-point lead in time for the summer break. But the British driver has endured a turbulent second half to the campaign.

Hamilton, however, was superb last weekend in Austin, but he either needs some poor reliability for Rosberg or rain to throw in some jeopardy. The German has nine wins already this year but Hamilton insists he has seen nothing new from the man he has been racing for most of his life.